Project "PEMD" (Promote and Enhance Multiplication and Division) through the Use of a Song Oriented Multiplication Table to Improve Numeracy Skills of Grade VI Pupils in Lumampong Elementary School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Mathematics is known as one of the core subjects and it is very important to be taught in school. It is a subject that shouldn't be neglected because we always use Math in our everyday lives. If a student has no strong foundation in learning even the four fundamental operations, then it will be hard for him/her to learn more complex lessons in Mathematics. The teachers and principal of Lumampong Elementary School has introduced an idea of using the abbreviated letters -PEMDAS (parenthesis, exponent, multiplication, division, addition and subtraction) and innovated it to PEMD (Promote and Enhance Multiplication and Division) as the title of an action research to help Grade Six pupils in improving their knowledge and skills in multiplying and dividing numbers.

METHODS

Nineteen out of forty-two Grade Six pupils underwent song-oriented memorization of the multiplication table. Non-probability particularly purposive sampling was used in the study because the respondents were identified to have the least understanding, knowledge, and skills in multiplying and dividing whole numbers. To show relevance, a quantitative approach was used in the results of the pupils' pre and post-tests in their window drill cards. It was also used in assessing relevance to the other tests given to the pupils. A descriptive analysis was used to show a comparison between the scores of the pupils. A work plan was also followed and maintained in keeping the pace of the activities of this study.

RESULTS

After the three-month intervention, it was found out that fifteen out of nineteen pupils who undergone the intervention through the use of a song-oriented multiplication table showed improvement in their numeracy skills particularly in multiplying and dividing whole numbers. There is also an increase in their grade for the third quarter in the subject of Mathematics compared to the second quarter grade. The use of a song-oriented multiplication table has enhanced the capabilities of the pupils in their knowledge and numeracy skills in multiplying and dividing whole numbers.

DISCUSSIONS

Achieving success cannot be varied in one particular experience or event. It may be an accumulation of all the practices, learning and situations that make someone learn something. As the use of the strategy to apply a song in memorizing multiplication and division of numbers, it shows that it can help those pupils who are having difficulty in multiplying and dividing numbers.